WATCHOUT NO.3
VIOLENT PYRO-CONVECTION

INDICATOR EVENTS

OBSERVED EVENT	PRIORITY OF REACTION
Intense spotting on fire flank	?
Cloud Forms in convection column	?
Cloud forms while convection column still resisting mixing.	Priority 2
Cloud in convection column attains cauliflower texture	Priority 1
Cloud in convection column forms an anvil	Priority 1
Tornado (attached to base of cloud)	?
Burnt area reburns as a crown fire or similar	?
Ember storm	Priority 1

RESULTANT RED FLAG WARNINGS

RED FLAG WARNING	INDICATION LEVEL	SIGNIFICANCE
1) Plume-driven fire	Mandatory	A
2) Conditions conducive to plume-driven fire	Mandatory	C
3) Passage of dry slot over fire	Suggested	C
4) Thunderstorm	Mandatory	B
6) Channelling event	Suggested	B
9) Unusual combustion	Suggested	C

DETAILED MATERIAL

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This material arises from work carried out by the HighFire Risk Project.

Material prepared by R. McRae September 2009.